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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Helena, Mont. – July 3, 2025 NorthWestern Energy has installed smoke detection cameras across our Montana service territory to help identify wildfires as soon as they start. These cameras use AI technology to detect potential fire starts and can differentiate smoke from clouds, dust, haze or other particulates in the air that could be otherwise confused with smoke.

The cameras are placed in strategic locations to provide 360-degree visibility. One location where a camera was strategically placed is at the top of MacDonald Pass, near Helena. The cameras consistently serve a critical purpose for detecting of wildfires, but the MacDonald Pass camera proved invaluable as it allowed community members to observe the Jericho Mountain Fire without needing to enter into the closure area.

“The cameras were purchased from AlertWest by NorthWestern Energy. NorthWestern Energy collaborated with fire responding agencies, dispatch centers, and emergency managers on selecting camera locations and providing in-depth access to the real-time video feed” said Charles Tuss, Wildfire Situation Awareness Specialist with NorthWestern Energy. Members of the public also can view real-time video of the cameras by visiting: northwesternenergy.com/safety/wildfire-safety/wildfire-mitigation-plan/smoke-detection-cameras. Individuals can also see camera feeds on wildfire information apps, such as Watch Duty.

“For the public to be able to view the fires is really beneficial. Many times, people are curious about what a specific fire is doing and they want to drive closer to the fire area to get a view. During the Jericho Mountain fire, for example, people were able to see a live-feed of what the fire was doing without actually having to go to near the location. This helps reduce traffic in the area and keep members of the public and firefighters safe,” said Chiara Cipriano, Public Affairs Officer, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

NorthWestern Energy will continue to work with fire managers and emergency managers on implementing additional camera locations across the state to help with the early detection and rapid response to wildfires.

For more information on the Jericho Mountain Fire, please visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mthlf-jericho-mountain-fire

For more information about how NorthWestern Energy is working to improve wildfire safety, please visit: northwesternenergy.com/safety/wildfire-safety

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NorthWestern Energy - Delivering a Bright Future

NorthWestern Energy, provides essential energy infrastructure and valuable services that enrich lives and empower communities while serving as long-term partners to our customers and communities. We work to deliver safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions that create value for customers, communities, employees, and investors. We do this by providing low-cost and reliable service performed by highly-adaptable and skilled employees. We provide electricity and / or natural gas to approximately 787,000 customers in Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Yellowstone National Park. Our operations in Montana and Yellowstone National Park are conducted through our subsidiary, NW Corp, and our operations in South Dakota and Nebraska are conducted through our subsidiary, NWE Public Service. We have provided service in South Dakota and Nebraska since 1923 and in Montana since 2002.

Media Contacts:

Max Rebholz

406-880-3471

Max.rebholz@northwestern.com